WORKSHOPS

Below is a list of the workshops, categorized by field of study, presented at the 2015 Northern Ontario First Nations Environment Conference. A short synopsis of each of the events and a copy of the presentation are provided when available.

The categories include Values Protection, Environmental O & M, and Resource Management, as well as several general workshops.

Watch NOFNEC 2015 videos, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and select workshops here, or watch videos for specific workshops below.

General Workshops

Goal Setting - Simon Frogg and Arlene Meekis-Jung, Wawakapewin First Nation

Being Prepared for the Weather of the Future - David Pearson, Laurentian University, William Sutherland, Kashechewan First Nation

It isn't enough to know from Elders and scientists that climate is changing. We must plan if we are to cope with even greater changes to come.
Download the Presentation (PDF)

Following in the Footsteps of Our Elders and Ancestors - Water Walk - Chiefs of Ontario

Over 70 youth and Elders gathered in Sault Ste. Marie in March 2015 to attend the Chiefs of Ontario Water Gathering, "Walking in the Footsteps of Our Elders and Ancestors Water Gathering". Participants discussed traditional ecological knowledge in protecting the Great Lakes.

Following in the Footsteps of Our Elders and Ancestors - Water Walk by Chiefs of Ontario.

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Values Protection

Species at Risk Panel Discussion - Alexandre Litvinov, PhD, Moose Cree First Nation, Bertha Sutherland, Constance Lake First Nation and Carolyn Whittaker, The Firelight Group

This session is meant to provide a few examples of successes and challenges in dealing with Species at Risk in funding applications and projects. Panel speakers will have a few moments to describe their experiences with SAR before moving on to a facilitated question period. Time will be saved at the end for audience questions and answers.

GIS for Protecting Values Panel Discussion - Gary Bouchard, Pays Plat First Nation, Barb Duffin, Mushkegowuk Council and Nicole Recollet, Wahnapitae First Nation

New technology has a lot to offer but can be hard to master. Here we will learn about different ways of using GIS in First Nation lands projects. Panel speakers will have a few minutes to describe their background and GIS projects before moving on to a facilitated question period. There will be time for the audience to ask questions.
Download the Presentation (PDF)

Values Protection Far North Strategy - Douglas Semple & Julie McArdle, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

The Far North Land Use Strategy, once complete, will assist the many First Nation-Ontario teams working jointly to prepare community based land use plans. The Strategy will help teams consider broad-scale matters such as caribou, water, climate change and the need for roads and energy corridors. The presentation will provide an update on the work we have done so far and outline our path to engage further with First Nations as we work to complete the Strategy.
Download the Presentation (PDF)

Withdrawing Values for Protection - Edward Sutherland, Kashechewan First Nation

This session will discuss how Kashechewan First Nation has been withdrawing their values from resource development, and in particular, their withdrawal from mineral claim staking using the Sites of Aboriginal Cultural Significance (SOACS). Edward Sutherland will take you through Kashechewan First Nation’s process of identifying and mapping the area of protection, to having it withdrawn under the Mining Act.
Download the Presentation (PDF)

Federal Contaminated Sites Process - Soil Remediation - Natalie Popovic, Windigo First Nations Council, Lindsey Jupp, Matawa First Nations Management and Stu Finn, Shibogama First Nations Council

A look at the federal contaminated sites process for on reserve contaminated sites. Includes an overview of funding approvals to assessments and remediation to final closure, including industry techniques and technologies.
Download Natalie Popovic's Presentation (PDF)
Download Lindsey Jupp's Presentation (PDF)
Download Stu Finn's Presentation (PDF)

Environmental Monitoring – Tools, Techniques, and Technology - Gord Parker, Four Rivers

The workshop will include hands-on demonstrations of a number of tools which are used for environmental monitoring, such as an electrofisher, YSI water monitoring probe, song meter, and flow meter. A short discussion will be held on the proper use of the tools on display and the purpose for the data that the tools help to collect. First-hand experiences on community environmental projects will also be presented and discussed by a local First Nation Environmental Monitor.

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Environmental O & M

Best Management Practices for the Operation & Maintenance of Landfill Sites - Deneen Brigham

This session will introduce the basics to operating and maintaining a natural attenuating landfill site. Topics will include: Landfills 101, managing the fill area (trench vs area method), compaction, waste segregation & diversion, cover, equipment, environmental monitoring & reporting, illegal burning, vermin, staffing, gating & fencing, hours of operation, closure and "life after a landfill".
Download the Presentation (PDF)
Landfill Site Evaluation Checklist (PDF)

Diversion - Stephanie Allen, OFNTSC

The Conservation Conversation: High Hydro Bills and How We Can Find Solutions - John Jeza

Spoiler Alert: High power bills – its not the meter. There are reasons why high bills can be high. We’ll touch upon the science behind this using every day examples. High hydro bills are a reflection of the status housing in a community. And housing impacts many aspects of our lives. The community (and it is a group effort), by finding ways to address high hydro bills, is addressing many aspects of community life. Doing the same things as in the past will not provide a solution. There is no one solution – no silver bullet – there are a number of solutions. The solutions can be found by starting the CONSERVATION CONVERSATION.

High hydro bills? How well built and maintained are the houses? Are these related? Let’s start a CONSERVATION CONVERSATION and find out.
Download the Presentation (PDF)

Waste Oil Furnace Tour - Fort William First Nation

Alternative sources of energy and heat productions are being looked at more closely as a way to reduce fuel consumption, but also as a green-energy alternative. In this workshop participants will get the chance to tour the Fort William First Nation garage to see how they have setup, use, and maintain a waste-oil burner system. A short demonstration on annual maintenance may be included for those NOFNEC delegates who already have a system in place or for those people interested in getting a system installed in their community.

On Site Sewage Systems - Chris Price, Bimose Tribal Council

The goal of the Environmental Public Health (EPH) Program is to contribute to improved health status of First Nation individuals, families and communities through the delivery of programming. Wastewater, also known as sewage, can be harmful to humans because it can spread diseases and pollute surface and groundwater sources. The Environmental Public Health Program identifies existing and potential hazards associated with wastewater disposal in order to reduce and prevent public health risks. Program activities focus on community wastewater treatment plants as well as on-site sewage disposal systems.
Download the Presentation (PDF)

Septic System Classification, Operations and Maintenance - Phil Tangie, Bimose

The workshop will discuss several aspects of Septic Systems on First Nations in Ontario including the following. Regulations in Canada and in Ontario as they apply to Septic Systems installed on First Nation lands; Classification and Types of Systems installed; and Operation and Maintenance of Septic Systems and Troubleshooting skills development.
Download the Presentation (PDF)

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Resource Management

Solar Panel: Let the Sunshine in for a Sustainable Future - Franz Seibel, Keewaytinook Okimakanak, Roopa Rakshit, Lakehead University, Brian Walmark, NCC, and Community Representatives

Solar power is here to stay! The Solar Panel will share community stories describing the benefits of renewable energy. There have been many successful solar projects in First Nation communities. This positive trend is making a difference to reduce diesel dependency, provide economic returns, and build community capacity. The panel will present basic facts about solar energy, showcase community stories and share experiences from the Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) communities.
Download Roopa Rakshit's Presentation (PDF)

Capacity Building for Energy Planning - Margaret Kenequanash, Shibogama

Download the Wataynikaneyap Presentation (PDF)
Download the RERP Presentation (PDF)

Overview of the Northern Ontario Bioeconomy Strategy - Francis Gallo, Biomass North Development Centre

The Biomass North Development Centre is leading the implementation of a Northern Ontario Bioeconomy Strategy (NO-BS). Developed in partnership by the Union of Ontario Indians and the former Biomass Innovation Centre, the NO-BS is intended to leverage Ontario’s sustainable forestry resources to trigger economic development and job growth, push innovation and entrepreneurship, and develop new domestic markets and international partnerships. This session will provide the background, scope, progress and next steps of the NO-BS, as well as other Biomass North initiatives.
Download the Presentation (PDF)

OPG BioEnergy Learning & Research Centre - Colin Kelly, Confederation College

Tour the OPG BioEnergy Learning & Research Centre at Confederation College - a state of the art and the first facility of its kind in Ontario. Featuring two fully automated 500 kW biomass units used to produce heat for the College and one 150kW unit dedicated for applied learning and research projects.
Download Site Contacts (PDF)

Building a First Nation Forest Industry in Northwestern Ontario - Bert Hennessey, Lac Seul First Nation

Bert Hennessey, R.P.F. is a Forestry and Business Development Consultant with a 20-year history of working in the forest sector with both private and public organizations. In his current role as General Manager with Obishikokaang Resources Corporation and Operations Manager with hme Enterprises, Bert works directly with First Nations across Northwestern Ontario helping to forge new paths in First Nation Forest Management on the Lac Seul, Lake Nipigon and Kenogami Forests. Current opportunities, operational considerations and challenges to First Nation-owned Forest Management companies will be discussed.
Download the Presentation (PDF)

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